Govt will consider Cuepacs' request for 'informal holiday'

(File pix)The government will consider a request for an ‘informal holiday’ on July 8 – the third day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri – for public servants who are working on Friday. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa said he would bring up the request made by the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Pix by Mohd Fadli Hamzah

PUTRAJAYA: The government will consider a request for an ‘informal holiday’ on July 8 – the third day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri – for public servants who are working on Friday.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa said he would bring up the request made by the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

“I will inform the prime minister of this; further discussions are needed on the feasibility of having the occasional holiday. Only then it will be brought to a formal setting (in cabinet).

“We just have to wait and see what will be decided on the matter,” he told reporters today.

Earlier, Ali had met with Cuepacs president Datuk Azih Muda and other council members for a meeting and to break fast.

At the meeting, various issues were discussed including increasing the number of civil servants to ease the work burden of existing workers and resuming training courses that were shelved as a cost-cutting measure.

Ali gave his assurance that all proposals would be discussed and considered by the government.

He also urged civil servants to increase productivity and give proposals on how to measure productivity aside from relying solely on Key Performance Indicator (KPI) evaluation.

“The government will also look into ways how to address work stress including by those working in shifts.

“We will also look into the feasibility of giving allowances for those who are doing graveyard shifts.

“However, this will depend on the government’s financial ability,” he added.